Egypt sentences activist Sanaa Seif to 18 months in prison Seif, who had been in pretrial detention since June, was convicted Wednesday of spreading false news and misusing social media. Egypt
Ukraine rejects Iran's final report on downed passenger plane The Iranian government said last year's shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was the result of a human error. Iran
Iran operating new advanced centrifuges, nuclear watchdog finds According to an International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran is now using IR-4 centrifuges to enrich uranium in violation of the nuclear accord. Iran
UN says Libya arms embargo 'totally ineffective' A United Nations panel of experts accused several member states, including Turkey and Russia, of fueling the Libyan conflict. Libya
Despite Russian airstrikes, FSA continues to confront regime Although recent Russian military strikes in Syria have provided air cover for government forces, the Free Syrian Army continues its battles against the regime. Syria
Yazidis wary of going back to liberated Sinjar Liberation of the Yazidi Iraqi town Sinjar from 16 months of IS occupation delighted everyone except thousands of Yazidi refugees who have no intention of going back. Iraq
Is the Islamic State going global? The Islamic State is now in a position to decide to go global or stay regional, following the attacks in Paris. Syria
Palestinian media treads fine line between empathy, support for attacks Though the majority of Palestinians are weary of violence and concerned over a new and devastating confrontation, the general atmosphere is inching toward a full-blown intifada. Palestine
GOP blames Obama for anti-refugee backlash Republicans say a failed Middle East strategy has fueled "fear and panic" in the United States. Iraq
Is the Chechen 'bogeyman' heading to Syria? Russia is playing up similarities between its past struggles and Syria’s civil war. Syria
Is defeating the Islamic State impossible? The Islamic State's stringing together of religion, power and modernity of sorts is a tough knot to untie. Syria
How the Palestinian diaspora is reacting to unrest in the West Bank As Palestinians in the diaspora watch helplessly the current uprising in the Palestinian territories, they seek nonviolent ways to gather support to their cause. Palestine
After IS threat, Turkey’s Alevi community on alert The Turkish police have disclosed intelligence of possible IS attacks on Alevi institutions but have yet to enforce protection measures. Turkey
Are the attacks in Paris connected with attacks in Israel? The Israeli right is claiming that Israel and France are fighting against the same kind of terrorism motivated by religious fundamentalism. Israel
Will Iran pursue high-cost strategy in Syria? A previously unpublished speech by an Iranian general who was killed in Syria may reveal efforts to justify Iran's growing involvement in Syria. Syria
In the battle against IS, where is the Arab coalition? Arab countries claiming their opposition against the Islamic State have stood down in their battle against the self-proclaimed "Caliph Ibrahim," creating a political void in the coalition. Saudi Arabia
